Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 1 June 1995 — Page 4

The Muncie Times, Thursday, 1 June 1995, Page 4

Davis (Continued from page 1) interview, the former NBA star, said he, too, fondly recalls his days in Muncie. He said he considered Heeter like a second dad. “Bob Heeter not only took an interest in an individual’s basketball skills, but also his daily problems and class work,” said Davis. During his basketball days at Muncie Central, Davis became the most outstanding player in the Indi-ana-Ohio All-Star game by the time he was a senior. He was also voted All-State in basketball during his final year on the Central team. Davis also received the Youth of America Award because of his personality and academic achievements. Davis said he played with Ron Bonham, Jim Nettles, Jim Dampier, Melvin Jolley and Rashid Shabazz (then William Dinwiddie). Said Shabazz, “Jim Davis is one of the greatest guys I know. He is a scholar and an athlete. Muncie doesn’t give him enough credit.” After his 1960 graduation from Muncie Central, Davis attended the University of Colorado on a basketball scholarship. From there the 6-foot 9Vi' Davis became a starting center for the St Louis and, later, Atlanta Hawks. After the Hawks, Davis played for the Detroit Pistons. He ended his career after a brief stint as an assistant coach for the team. Davis’ NBA career lasted from 1967 to 1975. Davis once described his basketball career as glamourous, being well paid, a 6-month vacation and offering various business opportunities.

Today, Davis adds “I’m very proud that he travel to that list. “Because is an honor student, who of being able to travel, I really seems to enjoy his met and married my wife relationship with his peers of 20 years, Edesse.” and teachers.” The Davises have a son Davis said that his Bill, 15, named after Jim’s fondest memories include late father. The Davises the love, nurturing and live in Windsor, Canada. guidance of his parents “Windsor is my wife’s William (Bill) and Lucille hometown and I’ve grown Davis, to love it. It’s a beautiful “I grew up in Muncie city. Although racism does with my sister, Sylvia, exist, people here seem to Then neighbors looked out establish if they like you or for each other and you not on a criteria not neces- could walk the streets at sarily governed by race,” night I feel so sorry for the said Davis. environment the violence An agent for All State kids have to grow up in Insurance, Davis commutes now,” said Davis, daily through the U.S.- “I try to keep my son, Canada border. my family in touch with In his free time Davis our roots. One way we do likes to participate in this is through the annual celebrity golf outings. He visits my mother makes to enjoys gardening and stick- Canada. We go to Muncie ing close to home. and bring her here. One of the most re- “Our most special time warding aspects of his life spent together involves my is watching his son grow mother sharing her memoup. ries of being raised in

Jim Davis as a member of the Detroit Pistons

‘To the youth I want to ter, brighter and richer.” say set your sights on a goal The Davis family aland strive to obtain it In tends St Gabriel Catholic doing so pass it on, make Church, your own family tree bet- ♦>

“I enjoy watching his participation in sports and helping him with his homework. “Another advantage of living here, in Canada, is the good educational system,” he said. Although Bill did not get to see his dad play in the NBA, he has seen him play in alumni exhibitions. Bill is a Catholic Central student, who plays center for the Comet’s junior boys basketball team. Davis and his wife are regulars at his games. Ontario Hoop Poop Magazine mentioned the young Davis as one of the underclassmen across the province. But in the one-on-one sessions that father and son have in the family driveway, Jim Davis said, “I’m still the boss. My son has dreams of playing professionally, but knows that his education is far more important

South Carolina^ Many times we take guests also to visit the Uncle Tom’s Cabin Memorial. “My lifestyle here is pretty similar to how I grew up in Muncie. “Since I left my hometown, I think the most memorable occasion to return was the Back to Muncie Reunion. I think it was a super idea, a super way to get us all back home to rekindle relationships, roots. I attended the first reunion in 1988 and will be returning this year. “I want to take this time to say that it was people in Muncie who helped me to make it. Where I am today has everything to do with what I was taught there. I feel very proud, remembering peers like Greg Williams, George Bonner, Dr. Sam Abram, Rashid and others who helped in giving direction and guidance. Thank you.

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